Dean Martin: Rare and Classic Photos of a Laid-Back Legend

Written By: Liz Ronk

In the early- to mid-1960s, Dean Martin emerged as one of the most popular entertainers on the planet. He starred in major films, knocked the Beatles off the top of the charts with what would become his trademark tune, “Everybody Loves Somebody,” defined a new genre of cool with Frank Sinatra and the rest of the Rat Pack, and captained his own long-running TV variety show. He did all of it with the air of a man who had just woken from a nap and was still charmingly groggy.

In 1958 when the pictures in this gallery were made, Dino—while famous as one-half of the Martin & Lewis comedy duo—had not yet crossed over into superstardom. But he was certainly enough of a draw that LIFE magazine devoted a photo-filled seven-page feature to the man they dubbed “Make-a-Million Martin.”

[To] his skillfully used musical and comedy talents, he adds an ebullience that pervades everything he does. . . . Uninhibited, spry of mind and muscle, he maintains a state of relaxation that “makes Perry Como look like a nervous wreck.”

Keeping carefree appears to be the common denominator of the many Martins — showman, businessman, prankster, family man, self-styled hell-raiser and Hollywood social lion. In each role he works hard at making hard work look easy.

Here LIFE pays tribute to one of show business’ enduring, and most laid-back, superstars.

Dean Martin swung a golf club in order to stay loose on the set of the film Some Came Running, 1958.

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Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, 1958.

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Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, 1958.

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Sammy Davis Jr. visited Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra on the set of Some Came Running, 1958.

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Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, 1958.

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Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr., 1958

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Dean Martin with Shirley MacLaine, 1958.

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Dean Martin listened to music at home, 1958.

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Dean Martin in the steam room, 1958.

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After a steam bath, Dean dined on beef and beer before his Sands act. With him are songsmith Sammy Cahn (seated) and helper Mack Gray.

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Dean Martin, 1958

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Dean Martin charged onto stage, followed by Frank Sinatra, at a performance by Judy Garland. To make amends for heckling Garland from the audience, they contributed their talents to the show.

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Dean Martin on stage, 1958.

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Dean Martin, 1958

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Dean Martin, 1958.

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Dean Martin, Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra, 1958.

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Dean Martin hosted a dinner at his Hollywood Dino’s Lodge restaurant. The menu before guest Edith Adams had been altered by her husband, TV’s Ernie Kovacs.

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Dean Martin advised Jimmy Van Huesen (foreground), Johnny Grant (left), Leo and Mrs. Durocher that the dinner would be “on separate checks.”

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Dean Martin took a turn running a Sands roulette wheel. He pushed chips to a winner, telling her, “Either take it or get out of here.”

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Dean Martin signed autographs, Las Vegas, 1958.

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Dean Martin with his wife, Jeanne, 1958.

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Dean Martin at home with his wife, Jeanne, 1958.

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Dean inspected his daughter Claudia’s hair. ‘Comb it with a broom?” he asked.

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Young Dino flexed for his father, 1958.

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Pop’s perplexity was registered as Gina strolled pensively in shoes large enough for two.

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Dean Martin at home, 1958.

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Poker pals at Martin’s home included (clockwise from Dean at left) agent Jerry Gershwin, Tony Curtis, Milton Berle, Ernie Kovacs with 85-cent cigar, and director Billy Wilder.

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Dean Martin gave his son Dino a kiss and a dish of ice cream. “Eat it, it comes on the dinner,” said Dean.

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A Milton Berle joke slayed Tony Curtis, Dean Martin, and publicist Warran Cowan. “Show Miltie a curtain, he takes a bow,'” said Dean.

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Dean Martin with his wife, Jeanne, at home, 1958.

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LIFE magazine, Dec. 22, 1958.

LIFE magazine, Dec. 22, 1958.

LIFE magazine, Dec. 22, 1958.

LIFE magazine, Dec. 22, 1958.